Lot of gain for a little bit of pain

New Glasgow proved the old adage true. There really is no gain without a little pain.
The downtown revitalization is evidence enough.
For months, businesses owners and shoppers had to put up with construction and the slow-moving traffic and parking issues associated with it.
"Of course it was painful because people couldn't do what they needed to in the beginning, but they just needed to be patient," said Shaun McLean, owner of Lolly's in downtown New Glasgow, "I think there's a lesson in patience for all of us."
Now most people are able to see the gain with the more aesthetic brick sidewalks and the crosswalks that stand out as well as new storefronts.
"At first there was an air of negativity about it, but people seem to be understanding now," he said. "We're fortunate to get the funding and they're trying to turn the downtown into something lovely"
Thom Peppard, co-ordinator of the New Glasgow Development Commission, said this project was huge and businesses are happy to see a freer flow of people and traffic again.
"The ones that toughed it through are going to be reaping some great benefits, because it's going to show in their pocketbooks sooner than later," he said.
The changes will draw more people to the core of the town, he said.
"You look at all those new storefronts and things they've been doing, like the old Zellers building and things like that," he said. "It gives a much more positive perception to a tourist, to a local shopper, to even a business person coming downtown. It says that we're serious about keeping our downtown alive and vital and we want you to feel welcomed and relaxed during your visit while you shop."
The downtown as a whole is one of the largest employers in town and has a lot to offer people, so it's important to keep it vibrant, he said.
"As far as the shops and services are concerned, where can you go to do your banking, your dining, your shopping all in one compact spot, other than a mall?" Peppard said.
There are some who believe that while the downtown is prettier now, it isn't necessarily practical.
"I don't know about other businesses, but we're kind of annoyed that they took parking away," said Teri Cox, an employee at Vogue Optical. "I know they want to make it more of a walking experience, but with what we do, we deal with a lot of seniors. They're having a difficult time coming in."
A lot of the people they deal with have been complaining, she said.
"Every day we have a courier dropping stuff off. They have a hard time finding parking. They have to lug it up here or find a spot," she said. "They have no loading zones. It's not too practical."
The downtown is still not quite complete, however. This was just the first part of a 20-year plan, but Peppard says there will be some finishing touches put on in the near future.
"The poles that the street signs are on are going to be a little more decorative and there are going to be some new trash receptacles coming," he said. "Things like that, that are just going to add to the atmosphere."